Hard cheese choux cookies

Ingredients

Cookies

200 grams (7 ounces) water
90 grams (3.2 ounces) flour
3 eggs
80 grams (2.8 ounces) butter
0.25 teaspoon salt
100 grams (3.5 ounces) hard cheese

Equipment

Small saucepan
Essential for melting the butter with water and salt. Use a heavy-bottomed one to prevent scorching.
Mixing spoon or mixer
A sturdy mixing spoon or an electric mixer can make your job easier when incorporating the eggs into the dough.
Pastry bag or zip bag
If you don’t have a pastry bag, a zip bag works just as well; just snip a corner off to pipe your cookies.
Baking sheet
A sheet lined with baking paper ensures that your cookies bake evenly and clean-up is a breeze.
Oven
Preheated correctly to ensure even baking. A good oven thermometer helps keep the temperature accurate.

Instructions

Step 1

Pour the water into a small saucepan, add diced butter and salt, and bring to a boil. Ensure the butter is fully melted before proceeding.

Step 2

**Pour all the flour into boiling water at once,** remove from heat, and quickly stir until smooth. Use a wooden spoon for best results.

Step 3

Let the dough cool for a few minutes, then add 1 egg and stir with a spoon or a mixer until fully incorporated.

Step 4

Add the rest of the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly each time. You will end up with a smooth batter that falls off a spoon easily. The batter should be glossy and smooth.

Step 5

Add the grated cheese and transfer the dough to a pastry bag. You can use a tight zip bag by cutting off the tip.

Step 6

Pipe small cookies on a baking sheet lined with baking paper, spaced about 1.5 cm apart.

Step 7

Bake in the oven preheated to 392°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes. Then lower the temperature to 329-338°F (165-170°C), and bake for about 7-10 more minutes until evenly golden brown. Keep an eye on the cookies to prevent over-browning.

Servings

Imagine serving these cheesy cookies at your next party! 🥳 They’re perfect for nibbling on during a cozy movie night at home or joining a platter of other baked goodies at a family gathering. 🇺🇸 Start your day off right by pairing them with a morning coffee ☕, or have them with a refreshing glass of milk for an afternoon snack. They're also fantastic when served alongside a creamy soup or salad, turning a simple meal into something **extra-special**. 🥗🍲 Want to get creative? Dip these cheesy delights in marinara sauce or your favorite dip for an extra flavor kick! 💥 There’s no wrong way to enjoy these scrumptious cookies!

Variations

Looking to accommodate dietary preferences? 🧑‍🍳 No problem! Gluten-free variation: Simply replace the regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. 😉 Vegan variation: Swap out the butter for a plant-based substitute and use a vegan hard cheese. Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 egg = 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water). 🌱 These variations ensure everyone gets to enjoy these delicious cookies regardless of their dietary needs!

Faq

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days; just bring it back to room temperature before baking.
What if I don’t have a pastry bag?
No worries! Simply use a zip bag and cut off a small corner to pipe the cookies onto the baking sheet.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely, once baked and cooled, you can freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Why did my cookies turn out too soft?
This usually happens if the cookies aren’t baked for long enough; ensure they are golden brown and firm to the touch before removing them from the oven.
How can I prevent the dough from sticking to the spoon?
Keep a cup of water nearby and dip the spoon in it occasionally to prevent sticking when mixing the dough.
How do I achieve uniform cookie sizes?
Using a pastry bag or zip bag helps a lot. Pipe the dough evenly and consistently onto the baking sheet for uniform cookies.